Pittsburgh food in September 2018: What’s opening and what’s closing

Two Texas-style barbecue restaurants are now open, one in Bloomfield and one in Lawrenceville. Also new this month: Two contemporary American spots, a new lunch place, a brewery, and, at long last, Insomnia Cookies.

Hello

Spork Pit, Garfield

For almost a year, Christian Frangiadis served up central Texas-style barbecue from a custom-built smoker next to his restaurant Spork. Now, he’s opened a brick-and-mortar barbecue spot called Spork Pit just around the corner. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday until the meat runs out.

A beauteous brisket.

COURTESY OF SPORK PITT

Walter’s BBQ, Lawrenceville

Replacing what used to be an autobody shop, Walter’s BBQ soft-opened on Aug. 31 and specializes in dry-rub-style Texas barbecue, cornbread, and buttermilk biscuits, per NEXTpittsburgh. Vegetarian and vegan options will be offered, too. An official opening is expected in early September.

Fish Nor Fowl, Garfield

Fish Nor Fowl, a new restaurant from Richard DeShantz (the guy behind Butcher & The Rye, Meat & Potatoes, and Tako) has opened in the former Salt of the Earth spot. It’s already serving up what appear to be tasty and Instagrammable dishes.

Siempre Algo, North Side

Siempre Algo, which means “always something” is now open on East Ohio Street in the North Side with a seasonal contemporary American menu. Currently on the dinner menu: Halibut, Eichner’s farm chicken, hanger steak, and summer vegetables.

An example of what you can find at Chop Chop.

COURTESY OF OXFORD MARKET

Chop Shop Salad Shop, Downtown

Chop Shop Salad Shop has joined the line-up of restaurants at Oxford Market in One Oxford Centre. It’s a great lunch option with build-your-own salads and bowls, as well as four of Chop Shops signature salads, from hearty vegan to fried chicken, and four signature bowls, including salmon poke and chicken tikka.

Insomnia Cookies, South Side

It’s finally here. After a year of waiting, Insomnia Cookies opened its South Side location, and it’s serving up all the cookies you can eat into the wee hours of the morning.

Acacia, South Side

After a brief closure this summer that left the internet freaking out, the South Side speakeasy is open again with the most casual announcement.

Level 7, Strip District

Located atop the new AC Hotel, bar and restaurant Level 7 features skyline views and a $7 happy hour drink special, per Good Food Pittsburgh.

Stateside Vodka Showroom, Lawrenceville

Stateside is open for sampling on Friday and Saturday nights, and soon the showroom will grow into a bar and event space, NEXTpittsburgh reports. Find it on Butler Street in what used to be the Teddy Bear Hospital.

Enix Brewing, Homestead

After opening two breweries in Madrid, the folks behind Enix Brewing Co. shifted their attention to Homestead. Expect “savory food, a convivial atmosphere, and groovy music” — plus a bowling alley and plenty of beer, of course.

Pittsburgh Juice Company, Downtown

The Lawrenceville juice spot opened a second location whipping up traditional juices like the Witch’s Brew and the Mother of Dragons. Look for Pittsburgh Juice Company’s Downtown location in One Oxford Centre on the second level near the elevators to the Rivers Club, Fitt Pittsburgh reports.

My Goodness, Regent Square

Specializing in locally and sustainably produced food, My Goodness is a grab-and-go shop from Square Cafe’s owner and a local physical therapist. It’s part market, part prepared food shop, where you can find a grab-n-go breakfast sandwich, a warm grain bowl or a smoothie, the Post-Gazette reports.

See you soon

Duncan Street Sandwich Shop, Millvale

This new sandwich shop from the folks the monthly dinner series Duncan St. Dinners will open Sept. 4. On the menu, look for a smoked chicken sandwich, a rosemary/brown sugar/black pepper turkey option, a vegan creation with mushrooms and onions, and much more.

See you soon-ish

Bonfire Food & Drink, a new concept from Chef Chris Bonfili (of Avenue B and B Gourmet) featuring a wood-fired oven to open on the South Side this fall.

North Shore Seven, a restaurant near Heinz Field from Ben Roethlisberger, which will open in April, boasting made-from-scratch entrees and “Hollywood-style booth seating,” which is maybe just a little excessive.

Bridges and Bourbon, a concept with small plates from chef David Racicot, in the former Seviche space Downtown.

Farewell

Cruze, Strip District

Cruze Bar, a “gay-owned, gay-operated, gay-proud” establishment, is closing this month after seven years, citing development in the neighborhood. Cruze will go out with fanfare on Sept. 15 at the Last Dance Closing Party.

Commoner Corner, Downtown

The grab-and-go coffee and lunch spot next to The Commoner has closed, per a spokesperson for the restaurant. Business at The Commoner continues as usual.